Wednesday, May 25, 2016

One thing I have to say about OwlCrate is that they send FANTASTIC books. The curators have some pretty great taste in Young Adult fare. I've been so pleasantly surprised by so many YA books and authors, it's been a wonderful way to flesh out my to-be-read (TBR) list. I think it's nearly 500 books long at this point.

OwlCrate not only sends a recently released, hardbound YA book but also includes what I suppose is considered "fangirl" material. These include things with famous book quote prints, bits of jewelry that fit the theme for the month and anything special that would make a book lover happy.The Cost: $36.98/month to the US (OwlCrate also ships within Canada and Internationally).

What You Get: Every crate comes equipped with a top notch, newly released YA novel alone with lots of goodies geared towards bookworms. Goodies consist of jewelry, bookmarks, stickers, prints, toys, accessories, and all sorts of wonderful randomness!

Everland by Wendy Spinale- This is a steampunk retelling of Peter Pan! I love anything steampunk (just look at my wardrobe-- wait, don't!) and will readily devour any books that feature it. I've already started this and so far it's not what I was expecting at all. In a good way!

London has been destroyed in a blitz of bombs and disease. The only ones who have survived are children, among them Gwen Darling and her siblings, Joanna and Mikey. They spend their nights scavenging and their days avoiding the ruthless Marauders -- the German army led by Captain Hanz Otto Oswald Kretschmer.

Unsure if the virus has spread past England's borders but desperate to leave, Captain Hook hunts for a cure, which he thinks can be found in one of the survivors. He and his Marauders stalk the streets snatching children for experimentation. None ever return. Until the day they grab Joanna. As Gwen sets out to save her, she meets a daredevil boy named Pete. Pete offers the assistance of his gang of Lost Boys and the fierce sharpshooter Bella, who have all been living in a city hidden underground. But in a place where help has a steep price and every promise is bound by blood, it will cost Gwen. And are she, Pete, the Lost Boys, and Bella enough to outsmart Captain Hook?

Also included with the book was some "book swag" in the form of some metallic tattoos! Summer is coming and these are pretty awesome. Plus, there was also a handwritten letter from the author.

Sparks Emporium Ring- This little ring is a nod to the Infernal Devices series. It has an angel in the center. Of the Shadowhunters series, Infernal Devices was my favorite.
Value: $6

Crystal Compass Designs Skeleton Key Necklace- This is pretty awesome and so steampunk. I have a bunch of keys but I haven't done anything with them yet. But this will be a perfect addition to my outfit for Halloween. Whee! Strangely enough, my last OwlCrate had a pendant necklace from Crystal Compass only it was an arrow.
Value: $18

Espionage Cosmetics Nail Wraps- These have gold sparkles and clocks and gears on them! I wish I was better at applying these since I love them but every time I try, I manage to ruin something.
Value: $10

Elope Airshipman Wings- This is a bronze-look pin. I'm totally going to wear it because why not? Who cares if I'm not an airman!? Actually, I have a feeling my husband might steal it first.
Value: $8

Creative Daffodil Art Print- An homage to the write of Peter Pan, James M. Barrie. This is printed on Kodak Professional Paper with a luster finish. She actually has a ton of literary prints if you check out her shop.
Value: $16

VERDICT: Since there's pretty much no way I wouldn't like a box with a steampunk theme, of course I loved it. The book is already interesting and OwlCrate does do a great job of choosing books. While I'm not into the book "world" I am an extremely avid reader. There's always a book of some series I'm desperately waiting for. Retail valuewise, this box comes in well over the price paid, even with the Amazon book pricing. While I don't always use the extra items, it's fun to get them (especially when they're steampunk).